The Winter Tolkien Trail Event Guide
THE WINTER TOLKIEN TRAIL EVENT GUIDE
Greetings Hobbit!
The festivities are about to begin, beers and indulgent foods about to be shared with those nearest and dearest, but it's always more of a treat after a venture into the Shire, right? And we know 350 short folk with furry feet that that have vast experience in having a good time - and we're ready to provide the setting!
An end of year run and get together from the stunning grounds of Stonyhurst and the terrific trails of the Ribble Valley awaits with our much loved festive run, the Winter Tolkien Trail Race... so let's kick things off with what you need to know for our last party in Hobbiton!
EVENT NEWS & INFO
WINTER TOLKIEN TRAIL COURSE
Keeping in line with the theme, in the Summer race you travel 'there', and in the Winter you get to travel 'back again'!
The course this time of year will be much more muddy and slippy, so bring appropriate clothing and shoes to meet the demands of the course and continue to be observant at road crossings and listen to marshal instructions.
PARKING & ARRIVAL
Parking like the Summer edition will be kept entirely on the Stonyhurst College grounds itself. Please follow Sat Navs to Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 9PZ using Knowles Brow Road and avoid using the avenue through the village. We will be operating a one way system through the college.
Please follow the marshals instructions on arrival for where to park (it's cold, we know.. but roll down windows to hear instructions). Park up sensibly, then walk to the Race HQ located at the front of Stonyhurst College.
Please help us make the day as epic as it has been previously, which you can do so by arriving as early as possible and car share where you can to help make the day run smoothly.
We open at 8:30am to make parking and registration quick and smooth for you - if the vast majority don't arrive until after 10am and expect to get parked up, registered and have time to use the Portaloos you will likely miss the start of the race. So please arrive in plenty of time, grab yourself a coffee or breakfast from our food stall and be ready to set off at 11:00am.
EVENT VILLAGE
We will have a caterer joining us for the event once again providing both hot and cold food, including grilled food and posh butties and hot drinks too (vegan options as well).
Get your 2nd breakfasts (or 3rd or 4th, who are we to judge, it's Christmas after all!) before or after the race as you cheer in your fellow racers at the finish line!
WEDDING
Please note there will be a wedding on site with guests arriving between 11:30am - 12:00pm. Those finishing around this time will be directed to keep tight along the top of the avenue to avoid any traffic. Your races won't be impacted, but please follow instructions as you are directed to the finish.
RACE MERCH
Pre-ordered Tolkien Trail merch will be available to collect along with your number at registration location at Race HQ. Once you've collected your number at registration, there will be a separate tent to collect your pre-ordered merch from. Please make sure you collect this on race day as we are unable to send out any uncollected tops.
Our Pennine Trails t-shirts, vests, hoodies, hats and buffs will also be available to purchase to commemorate your race. Card option should be available, but bring cash just in case.
RACE DAY DETAILS
Date:
13th December 2025
Registration Location:
Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 9PZ - Race HQ and the Event Village is located outside at the front of Stonyhurst College this year. Please arrive in plenty of time to collect your number - car share where possible and arrive in PLENTY of time.
Merchandise:
Pennine Trails merch will be available before and after the race from the merch stand, including caps, hats, buffs and socks!
Card available but please bring cash as reception can be very dodgy.
Toilets:
Located around the corner from the Race HQ, you'll see them as you walk to get registered. Please make use of them in plenty of time to ensure the race begins on time.
Registration Opens:
8:30am - 10:40am - please collect your race number and any pre-ordered merch.
Registration Closes:
10:40pm
Race Brief:
10:55pm from the start along the avenue at Stonyhurst College.
Race Begins:
11:00am
Bag Drop:
Available at Race HQ, goods left at your own risk.
Race Goodies:
Collect as you cross that finish line!
Course Information:
There are three road crossings on the course, with the first as you cross the road, running past the Shire Burn Arms. This is roughly a mile into the race, our marshals do their best to get as many of you across at a time, but they may need to pause you to let some cars through. This won't take long, and won't affect your race.
Marshals will be on each crossing to help you pass safely. If a car comes, marshals will momentarily pause you as the car passes. Please treat all road crossings like you would in any normal run.
Parking *Important*:
Please car share as much as possible and remember to arrive via Knowles Brow Road and follow signs to the marshals who will direct you to park. If you are arriving through Hurst Green, you are arriving in the wrong direction. Please consult the map at the start of this email for clarification.
We are using the grounds whilst other operations are ongoing at the College, please be aware of any pedestrians and school children at all times whilst driving (or running) around the grounds. Stonyhurst would also like to ensure children of parents running are with a parent at all times whilst on Stonyhurst grounds.
Prize Giving:
Prize Giving will be held at roughly 1:00pm, so stick around, grab warm food, some coffee, cheer in your fellow Tolkien Trailers (the event village and race finish are all in the same spot) and celebrate the winners and category winners at the end of day enjoying some good times on the Pennine Trails.
There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd overall male and female, and 1st U23, V40, V50, V60 and V70 male and female too. And as it's Christmas, of course the best fancy dress too!
So whether 'yer a wizard, a hobbit, any other fantastical creature or just good old Christmas fancy dress, there'll be a prize awarded for the best, so be sure to stick around and collect it if you're the lucky winner!
Don't forget, at Pennine Trails our team prize consists of 2 men and 2 women from the same team, so it's all to play for!
Water:
We will have water ready for you at the end back at Race HQ and we will have some paper cups available, but if you have your own bottle or foldable cup, please use to reduce waste.
Shoes & Kit
Let's be honest, it's gonna be a muddy one! You'll be pleased to know much of the route has now been relaid with new trails. It will, however, still likely be a muddy run in certain sections around the rest of the Shire.
We will be monitoring the forecast and will email to notify if we require you to bring specific kit. However, it is winter and it's always good practice to carry a waterproof jacket, hat and gloves and we recommend you do so.
Fancy dress is optional and we always recommend it!
Toilets
For an event this size it is recommended we have 3 portaloos, we have however hired 6 portaloos and a urinal block to make sure the race sets off right on time. Please help us ensure the race sets off at 11:00am by using these facilities in plenty of time.
Results & Photos
Results will be available live as you cross the line and will be available at: http://www.timingupnorthresults.co.uk/
Photos will be available from Mick Hall shortly after the event at his Facebook page, or at: https://mickhallphotos.photohawk.com/pages/events-2025
Transfers: The time has passed for cancellations, we can make no transfers at this time as we need to organise, print lists and send the data off to the timers.
Volunteers: We are still in need of helpers on the day, if you have a friend or family member who would like to help us put on the race, whether at Race HQ or out on the course, we'd love your help! If you know anyone who would like to join in and help, email us at marshalling@penninetrails.com to register your interest.
That's your lot!
We will do our best to get back to any queries throughout the week as we are busy away making this year's event as special as possible.
We hope you have a wonderful week ahead looking forward to your race around the Tolkien Trails, and we will see you in the Shire on the 13th December!
Best wishes from the Pennine Trails team,
